Even with a broken bone, I can't stop running

RRC member interview

Text: Shun Sato

8th Course A2 (Goal: Sub 3 hours 10 minutes) MVP Mamiko Kato

Running even with a broken bone

I always want to run.

I love running, so even if I break my arm or ribs, it's no problem as long as it's not my leg. The pain from the fracture makes me feel uncomfortable for about two days, but once I get over that, I get used to the pain and can run normally. Of course, that's a bad thing (lol).

The exhilaration I feel when I run outweighs the pain of my broken bone, and I can't stand the pain of not being able to run. I've always run and exercised despite injuries. I once broke my knee during a lesson at a sports club, but three days later I was dancing in a lesson with my favorite teacher (lol). It was really painful, but maybe it was the adrenaline that was pumping, because I managed to get through it for just an hour. I'm the type of person who can work hard at things I love (lol).

My motivation

I joined RETO because I've always been a big fan of Kamino. My motives may be impure, but I wanted Kamino to announce my personal best and praise me. That's what made me start aiming for a new marathon record again. There was a RETO training session the day after the Katsuta Marathon in January this year, and when Kamino came and said, "I'm sorry you couldn't set a personal best," my frustration exploded, and I decided that I would definitely improve my personal best at the next Tokyo Marathon.

A goal that brought tears of joy

Three days before the start of the Tokyo Marathon, my bunion swelled up, and I managed to make it to the starting line. I focused all my energy on the 45.195km, trying to endure the pain. My watch started acting up mid-run, and I was shocked, thinking, "Was I really that slow?" But I knew it was going to happen, and I just kept going. With two kilometers to go, I realized I could achieve my personal best. I remembered what Kamino-san had said to me after Katsuta: "I'm sorry about that." I ran feverishly, determined to beat even a second. When I crossed the finish line, I achieved my long-awaited personal best (3 hours, 9 minutes, 46 seconds). The RETO members were there, and I was so happy I cried. I was so excited when Kamino-san announced my personal best at the training session, and I'll never forget that feeling.

The Honolulu Marathon begins

I started running marathons because I joined a new sports club in my neighborhood, saw a poster for the Honolulu Marathon, and decided I wanted to run too. Up until then, I'd hated running, but then I started running 5km every day on the treadmill. Gradually, I started to enjoy running, and I became addicted. When I first entered a marathon on a whim, I ran in a windbreaker top and bottom, and wore a fashionable watch, not a sporty one. That would be unthinkable now (laughs).

Determination to reach the Shinetsu Five Mountains

I've always loved mountains and have been climbing mountains since I was a child. Before joining RETO, I was always going to the mountains, and trail running is one of my favorite hobbies. This year, I want to do well in the Shinetsu Gogaku 110km trail running race. Last year, I was injured in the summer and it was all I could do to get to the starting line, so I was satisfied that I was able to finish the race, but this year I want to focus on my record. A famous trail runner told me that "marathons and trails are different things," so I thought that in order to compete there, I needed to train specifically for trails this spring and summer. Since I have several other races planned, I decided to take a temporary break from RETO.

A mutually encouraging environment

I usually run alone a lot, and even in RETO I'm more of a lone wolf, so I don't get particularly close to everyone, but I was inspired by everyone, so I'm a little sad to be away from RETO even for a while. After speed training, everyone sits on the ground shaking hands and patting each other on the shoulders. When I see that, I think it's great. I'm not pushing myself that hard yet, but it's RETO that makes me feel like I have to do it. Also, the support is really wonderful. When RETO members come to cheer me on in a race, I get so much energy knowing that I'll see them again if I push just a few more kilometers. It felt like I was running just for that reason, so I think the power of support is incredible.

Back on the Road

Once I finish my trail challenge, I'll return to RETO. My goal for the road is to get as close to a sub-3 time as possible. My coach, Seiya (Takagi), once told me that I'm "strong in real competitions," and I'm somewhat aware that this is true. I want to continue to show my strengths in real competitions and achieve results.

Also, so that Kamino-san can announce his personal best.